"This isn't overwhelming, but it is important, since RIM has posted underwhelming cash flow over the prior few quarters, due to their patent purchases and investments in their data center, " said Jeff Kvaal, a telecom-equipment analyst at Barclays Capital.

WSJ: RIM Settles Patent Battle With Visto

After all, isn't this just the sort of inter-government cooperation that is required in these cash-strapped times when British public life is all about greater efficiencies?

BBC: Psst - want to pass the new citizenship test?

No telling how this will end up playing out, but we're sure Apple isn't going to give up its little cash-cow ecosystem without a fight.

ENGADGET: France and Germany pile on the EU iTunes anti-DRM pressures